The Henry County Lady Hawks are eyeing a return to the state playoff tourney.
Those past playoff runs are highlighted by a Final Four berth and a couple Sweet 16 appearances.
As they embark on another season, the Lady Hawks are resolute on living up to the standards they’ve set for themselves.
Team unity might take it a long way, too.
“This is one of those teams that’s really together,” said Henry coach Carl Caputa. “When we go out, everyone’s together. … They like being together and doing things together.
“I think that’s important.”
Henry County returns four starters from a 2011-12 team that fell to Westside in the first round of the Class 3-A tourney.
That includes leading scorer, senior Kionna Coleman, and rebounder, junior frontcourt mate Jill Gillard. Junior Taylor Cistrunk, co-assist leader with Coleman, and sophomore Cameron Whitehorn also return with a year of seasoning under their belts.
Look for that core group to anchor Caputa’s read-and-react offensive scheme at a more efficient clip as the season goes on.
“We teach our kids to give up the ball, to read what the defense throws at them and counter it,” the Lady Hawks coach said.
Defensively, the team’s ability to play man-to-man will essentially allow it to morph into zone coverage whenever necessary, he added.
Caputa has yet to commit to a fifth starter. Expect for promising 6 foot freshman Arielle Joyner to earn a fair amount of playing time in the post, though.
“She’s got some skills and she’s very, very coachable,” said Caputa. “You see those bright eyes every day … she’s doing what the coaches are asking her to and she’s got the skills to do it.”
As far as the big picture goes, Henry players and coaches like their chances.
“I think because of the cohesion and because of our leadership it just appears we’ll be a pretty decent team, do some damage,” said Caputa. “I’m very hopeful … seems like we’ve got a good mix.”
Upcoming games:
home vs. Central Macon, Friday at 6 p.m.
at Griffin, Saturday at 4 p.m.
at Jackson, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.
Post a Comment